fi 



PS lOS^ 




1 /Its 



■^ -all, 

Jwst Published. The "Popular Edition" of Baker's Keading Club and 
Haudy Speaker. Nos, 1, 2, 3, and 4, 50 selections in each. Price 15 cents each. 




l!int6ied,aCCOldijlgtoActof Congress, in the year 16^0, iiy George M. Bakes, in the Offic oi Uie 
Librarian of Concress.at Wasliinaton. 



% SPEKTCEH'S UNIVEHSAL STAGE. 

r Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either Public 
or Private Performance. Containinr/ u full description of all 
tlie necessary Stage liusiness. 



% 



I 



r5 



*! 



'■■} 8- 



PltTCE, 15 CENTS EACH. C^^JVo Plays exchanged. 



U 4. 



Liost v.M Iiondon. A Drama in 
, Tlircc Acts. Mi.ic, 4 Female char- 
acters. 
r^'ichnlas Flam. A Comedy in Two 
Acts. l!y J. 1!. Buckstoue. 5 Jlale, 
3 Female cliaractcrs. 

Tlie ■\Vel.s»i <;irl. A Comedy in 
One Act. Jfy Jlrs. Planche. 3 Male, 
2 Fcm-ile cHaracters. 

John ^Vopps. A Farce in One Act. 
I5y \V. K. Suter. 4 Male, 2 F<;male 
characters. 

Tlie Tiirlitsli ISath. A Farce in 
One Act. liy JMontague Williams 
and F. C. IJurnaad. (i Male, 1 Fe- 
male character. 

The Two Pinldifoots. A Farce 
in One Act. JSy .1. JI. Morton. 3 
JIale, 3 Female characler.s. 

Old Iloiiesty. A Comic Drama in 
Two Acts. J!y J. M. Jlortou. 6 
Illalc, 2 l''omnle cliaracters. 

T^vo Gentlemen in a Fix. A 

Farce in One Act. liy ^V. E. Suter. 

2 JIale characters. 
Smashin^ton Goit. A Farce in 

Olio Act. 'UyT..). Williams. 5 Male, 

3 Female characters. 

Two Heads Better thanOiie. A 
Fiircc in One Act. IJ.v Lenox Home. 

4 Male, 1 Feraulo character. 

John TJohbs. A Farce in One Act. 
15v J. JI. ]\lortou. 5 Male, 2 Female 
characters. 

The I>a\iglliter of the Uegi- 
nient. A Drama in Two Acts. By 
Fdward Fitzball. Male, 2 Female 
characters. 

Aitnt Charlotte's Blaid. A Farce 
in One Act. l!y .1. 1\I. Jlortou. 3 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

Brother Bill and ^re. A Farce in 
One Act. I!y \V. ll. Suter. 4 Male, 
3 Fcnialn characters. 

Done on Both Sides. A Farce in 
Our Act. IJy J, j\I. Jlorton. 3 
Male, 2 Female characters. 

T*nnducketty's Picnic. A Farce 
in One Act. l!y T. J. AVilliams. 6 
JMale, 3 Female characters. 

I've -written to Bro-wne. A Farce 
in One Act. By T. J. '\^■illiams. 4 
Male, 3 Female characters. 



IS. Lendinj^ a TIand. A Farce in One 
Act. By u. A. A'Beckct. 3 Male, 

2 1' emale oharactcrs. 

19. My Precious Betsy. A Farce in 

One Act By J. M. Morton. 4 Male, 
4 FcniMk characters. 

20. MyTwrnlVext. A Farce in One Act. 

By T. J. AVilliams. 4 JIalo, 3 Fe- 
male cha!,'..acrs. 

21. Nine Po:«s 5 of the Law. A Com- 

edy in Odo Act. By Tom Taylor. 
4 Male, .> Female characters. 

22. The Phantom Breakfast. A 

Farce in One Act. By Charles Scl- 
by. 3 Jlale, 2 Female characters. 

23. Dandelions Oodges. A Farce in 

One Act. J!v T. J. Williams. 4 
Blale, 2 Female characters. 

24. A Slice of fyisck. A Farce in One 

Act. rv J. M. Morton. 4 Mule, 2 
Female c^;^.■^.cters. 

25. Always Intended. A Com?dy in 

One Act. <iy Horace Wigan. 3 
Blalc. 3 Female characters. 
20. A Bull in a China Shop. A Com- 
edy iu Two Acts. By Charles Slat- 
thews. Male, 4 Female characicrs. 

27. Another (>lass. A Drama in One 

Act. By Thomas Morton. Blalc, 

3 Female characters. 

28. Bowled Out, A Farce in One Act. 

By II. T. Craven. 4 Male, 3 Female 
cliaracters. 
20. Cousin Tom. A Commedietta in 
Om- Act. By Gcorpe Bobcrts. 3 
3Iale, 2 Female characters. 

30. Sarah's lioung Man,, A Farce in 

One Act. By \V. K. Suter. 3 3Iale, 
3 Female characters. 

31. Hit Him, He has IVo Friends. 

A Farce in One Act. By E, Yates 

and N. II. Harrington. 7 Male, 3 

Female characters. 
S?- The Christening. A Farce in One 

Act. By J. B. Buckstoue. 5 Male, 

b Female characters. 
3;». A Race for a 'IVidow. A Farce 

in Ouc Act. By Thomas J. ^Vil- 

liaras. 5 3Ialc, 4 Female characicrs. 
3- Your Tvife's in Danger. A Farce 

in One A-t. By J. ":M. Morton. 3 

Jlale, 3 Female characters. 
3t, True tiiito Death. A Drama in 

Two Acts. By J. Sheridan Knowlos. 

Male, 2 Female characters. 



aor>Qt:kQCOr-.QL)^uOP^QQtiOO£)^OCOCQC£)CQO£)QgCeOQi 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 



A FARCE. 



BT THE AUTHOR ©F 

•Sylvia'i Soldier,- "Once on a Time,'V D6wn by the Se»," "Bread on the Waters," 

"The Last Ijjai," " Stand by tlie Flag," " Tliu '^einpter," "A Drop Too Much," "We're 
All Teetuulf.s," "A L,Ufle Mure Cider," "Tliirty Minutes for Kefreshmcnts," 
" VVantcU, a .Yale Cook," " A Sea of Troubles," " Freedom of the i'ress," " A 
Close Suave," "The Ureat Klixir," "TiSi.* Man with the Ueniijohn," "Nc* 
Brooms Sweep Clean, ' " Humors of the Strike, ' " My Uncle the Captain," 
"The Greatest Plague ui Life, '"Ko Cure, No fay, ""The Ureciuu 
Bend," "The War of the Koses," " Lightheart'i Pilgrimage," 
" The Sculptor's Triumph," " Too Late for the Train," " Snow- 
Bound." "Tlie Peddler of Very Nice," " Bonbons," " Capu- 
letta," "An Original Idea," " Enlisted for the War," 
"Never say Die," "The Champion of her Sex," 
"The 'Visions of Freedom," "The Merry Christ- 
mas of the Old Woman who lived in a 
Shoe," " The Tournament of Idylcourt, 
" A Thorn among the Hoses," 
"A Christmas Carol," 
"One Hundred 
Vears Ago," 

tiO. 



BOSTON : 
G20RGE M. BAKER AND COJklPANY, 

41-45 Fkankus, Street. 







Copyright 

Bj Geoboe M. Baeeb, 

1876. 



Electrotyped at the Boston Stereotj-pe Foundry, 
19 Spring Laue. 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

A FARCE. 



CHARACTERS. 

Captain Boliver BoBsxAy, " ^Mysteriously disappeared. 

Chaules Cleverly, an Amateur Farmer. 

Dixon Dolby, out for a Day's Sport. 

Carlos Carrots, a Farm Hand. 

Mrs. Cleverly, Charles's Wife. 

Nellt Cleverlx. Charles's Sister. 

Miss Peksis Grievous, " Widow Bobstay." 



COSTUMES. 



Captain. Wide-bottomed^trouscrs, and "Reefer" of blue; 
blue shirt; black handkerchief; bald wig for own; black 
wig and big black whiskers for dis^guise. 

Dolby. Ciieckered suit; gaiters; Jock 03' cap. 

Charles. Blue flannel suit; wide-brimmod straw hat. - • 

Carlos. Wide straw hat ; heavy shoes ; blue stockings ; short 
pants; and jacket open; with red or yellow waistcoat; red 
wig. 

Nelly. Pretty muslin dress, with apron and morning cap. 

Mrs. C. Morning dress. 

Miss Pkrsis. Red wig, with long curls. Dress very high- 
colored; spectacles of aliglit blue; hat. She is rather old, 
w.it^ affecti^d girlish dress aud ways. 

73 



74 A MYSTEKIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

• 
Scene. — Sitting-room ui farm-house. Door in flat 
c. , ^indoio in flat l. Loxwqq .under wi^idoxo, 
'i^cjme IT..* corner, hack, with cover,- hhofch^ cind flbw- 
ers. Small table, r. c. Arm-chair, l. c. Chair, 
L., near flrst entrance. Door e. and l. Nelly dis- 
covered dusting. 

Nelly {throwing brush on lounge). That ■will clo for 
to-day. It's time Carlos were tack from the post-office. 
I am anxious to obtain a letter from my invisible 
adorer, Dixon Dolby. How my good brother would 
open his eyes if he knew the extent of my wickedness. 
Three months ago, six of us girls at school, desirous of 
acquiring proficiency in correspondence, agreed to write 
to gentlemen whom we had never met, but whom we 
knew by reputation to be gentlemen. My choice was 
my brother's chum before his marriage, Dixon Dolby. 
My plan succeeded admirably. Ho answered the note 
signed. Rosa Bean. The most tender and impassioned 
epistles followed on both sides, until at last he liad the 
impudence to request an exchange of photographs. I 
consented, but was not fool enough to allow hirn to 
discover my identity ; so, to secure his, I sent instead 
a? photograph of my brother's wife. I knew they had 
fiever met, but they must; and when they do, won't 
there be fun. I only hope I shall be at the denouement^ 
Ah ! here's Carlos. -ti .nin*"- 

{Enter Carlos, c, with two letters ptrid ajypper.) 
Well, Carlos, what success? - 

Carlos {putting letters behind him). Hey? What'U 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAliANOlS. 75 

you give to know ? Ought to give a fcUcr somethin* 
piirtv sweet, cos 1 ran all the way, 

Nelly. Iiidecil I will, Carlos. My warmest thanks ■ 
and my sweetest smile. ' ' ''"y^K) vA>»Vi. 

Carlos. Is that all? Well, here's a letter {gives 
her a letter). ' 

Kelhj: O, thank you, Carlos. YWre a^ dear, good 
boy (takes lettdr, and sits in arm-chair, l.). 

Carlos {comes down r., puts nexospaper on table). 
Kinder thought I might get somethin' sweeter ; a kiss, 
jierhnps. But I s'posc she was afraid somebody might' 
be lookin'. I wouidn't a cared if they had. She's jest 
as purty as a pictur ; and I kinder think she hankers 
arter me. I jest like her, you bet! Wish sometimes 
I could be a caterpillar, and ci'awl under l)er purty feet. 
I- couldn't be n>ore smashed than I am now. Wal, I'll 
go and hunt up Mr. Cleverly Avitli the other letter {goes 
vjJ c): Nothiii' wanlin', Miss Nelly ? 

Nelly. Nothing ; thank you, Carlos. '' 

Carlos (at door). O, she's a beauty. Takes such 
pains to call me Carlos. Mr. Cleverly he always calls 
me Careless, 'cause he says it's my natur. [Ji^it c. 

Nelly {takes photograph from letter). There he is ; 
charming fellow. He has no idea I am the sister of his 
best fiien<l. Not bad-looking {Jiolds photograph up). 
{Enter Musv Cleverly with hat and shawl, door l.' 

She looks oyer Nelly's shoidder at incture.) 
A <:i:l might be happy with such a man. I've no doubt 
I shall blush' when we meet. ( To photograph.) You 
dear fellow, you are good-looking and smart — • 

Mrs. C. ladeed he is, Nelly. . ' '• ■ ' ' ;« : 



7.6 . A. MYSXJ5RK)US DISAPPEARANCE. 

Nelly (^jumping up). O, good gracious! you here?, 

3Irs. C. ILive I disturbed your devotions? Who 
i$ lie ? Wlicu ,Avi.Il it be ? 

Nelhj {liuts photorjrapJi in her hosom). Nonsense; 
it's only a isliglii ncqiiniiitance. > 

3frs. C. You do not slight liis picture, I sliould' 
say lie was. a bosonirfriend. Where's Charley? 

Nelly. Out on the farm, hilling corn, I believe. - 

Mrs. C. ■ Poor fellow ! how his corns must aclie! 
and his back. Ha, ha, ha! lie works! so hard to mnkel 
a pleasure of what he does not enjoy. Nell, tell him, 
if he comes in, I've run over to Mrs. Young's to borrow 
her pat. I won't be gone long. \_Exit c. 

Nelly. She saw him, but she doesn't know him. If 
she only knew what he received in exchange. :W€l.l,j 
I'm not going to spoil d frolic for fear of .the c6nse-l 
quences. i 

Charles {outside). Hang the corn, Careless; ray> 
back 's nearly broken now. 

{Enter c. with a hoe, followed hy Carlos.) 

Cq^rlos. How about theionions, sir? 

Charles. How about them -as much as you like, but 
no hoe about them for me. 

Carlos. They won't be worth a cent. 

Charles. Well, don't get ' sentimehtal over them, 
Car(;less. They're not worth weeping over ; no. Care- 
less. (I've set myself up for an independent firmer, 
and there's no clause regarding hoeing in my declara- 
tion ofindepender.ee. You shall have a hdiday : you 
needn't AViOrk to-day. You're not very fond of it at 
any time ; but this day we have a visitor. ' . 

Nelly. A visitor? 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPICARANCE. 77 

Charles.' Yes, Nelly. I've got vronl from liim ; lio's 
coming clown for a day's sport. • Tii-,' very m.ui I've 
picked out to lead yoti to llie Jiynienc.d altar. 

Carlos. Gosh njl hemlock ! 

Charles. What's the matter, Careless ? 

Carlos. Me — I — notliin'; only a darned skcctcr 
up my nose. ~ 

Nelli/. Picked out for mc ? Thank you ; I can do 
my own picking. 

Charles. And your own leading too. You're smart 
enough to do the leading business. Where's Jenny, 
♦' the girl I left behind me " ? 

Nelly. She left before you — came in. She ran 
over to Mrs. Young's to borrow her J5at. 

Charles. Her Pat ? Haven't I told her I wouldn't 
have an Irishmnn on the place? 

Nelly. Ha, ha, ha ! It's a- butter pat. 

Carlos. IIo, ho, ho ! 

Charles. What's the matter with you, Careless? 
{Carlos looJcs sober.) Do thrtt again, and you'll get 
anything but a pat. Go, make yourself presentable ; 
put your auburn locks in curl-papers, and wash your 
face. You shall guide my friend in his day's sport. 

Carlos. Yes, sir. {Aside) lie's going to lead her 
with a halter, is he? I'll show liim sport. \_ExU c. 

Charles. Yes, ^Nelly, we're to have a visit from my 
old chum, Dixie Dolby. 

Nelly. Good gracious ! he coming here ? 

Charles. Yes; for the first time; and to the coun- 
try for the first time, too. This little matrimonial 
scheme of mine is the only secret I ever bad fi-om him. 



78 A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

He didn't know I was courting Jcriny Bolistay until 
he received my wedding-cards. Wasn't lie surprised? 
No more tlian I, liowever. Just a year ago, that high- 
ly respectable old maiinor, Captain Boliver Bobstay, 
mysteriously disappeared from Valparaiso, where the 
stanch bark "Indigo Blue" was waiting for a cargo. 
His coat and liat were found upon the pier ; but the 
wearer never did appear upon tliat pier again. 

Nelly. And he was not lieard of again ? 

Charles. No. Yes. Six months ago, Jenny re- 
ccive<l a deed of this place from Uncle Bobstay. How 
it came, or where it came liom, nobody knew; but it 
was found all right, and being a nice cosy place here, 
we married and settled u])On it three months ago. 

Nelly. Bui, Charley, your friend — : 

Charles. O, yes ; Dolby — clever fellow. You've 
never met him, Nelly ,? 

Nelly. No. I've often lieard you speak of him, 
and feel inclined to like him. 

Charles. I know you will,: Nelly. Now let's have 
something nice for dinner, in honor of our guest ; some- 
thing extra, you know. 

Nelly. I'll look after the dinner. When hc,comes, 
we shall have something extra, [^Exit n. 

Charles. She's a nice girl. I hope Dixie will like 
her. To think of his coming down here to see me a 
mari'ied man. Why, I should almost as soon expect 
Uncle Bobstay to walk in at 'my door. ^v 

{Eater c. Bobstay. He has a hlach . wiy and hlacJc 
whiskers.) 

Bobstay {at door). Avast there 1 ^j-^. the . deck^ 
clear? Sh— 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPIPEARANCB.' 79 

Charles. Hnllo ! Who have \vo liore ? Cnmcii^. 

Hohstay {comes down r.). All right, my ]i<';fity. 
Whoii ;i inossmiitc 's g'>ing down in (he biiny — - f-r tlie 
last time, mind — what do wo do ? Why, we extends 
a helping hand, and grabs him by the hair of the head, 
don't we ? 

Charles. That is tlie first impulse — unless he's bald. 

^BdbsUiy' {extending hand). Put it there; give us 
your flip])er {they shake hands). All right. Here's 
your 1i;mi<1 -jxnd 'ero's my head: Take a good hidd of 
it, as if I was agoin' down for the hist tiiiie. Xow, 
steady. (Charles talces hold of his toiy^ and '!)<»b- 
STAY seizes his beard.) Let fall nil ! {/Te stands buck, 
2MUin(/ off whiskers. Charles jyO'lls off wiy.) 

Charles. Uncle Bobstny ! 

Bobstay. Hush ! Ensy, Clnirley, easy. ' Bobstay 
of the Indigo Blue, he went up — no, down — least- 
wise he went off. I'm a sperit, you uiiderstaiid ? Fm 
the Ancient Mariner — Captnin KyU— the Great Un- 
known — anything you please but Bobstny. He mys- 
teriously dis.-ippeared ; let him be'inissed. 

Charles. But what have you been doing? What's 
the trou-ble? 

Bobstay. A deep one — deeper than the sea. Hush ! 
Put it there {shakes hands). There's a woman at the 
bottom. : ' 

' Charles. At the bottom of the sea ? Good gra- 
cious! 

Bobstay. No. I wish she was, Charley.' ' Pat it 
there {shakes hands).' You've heard me 'speak of 
Spanker, skipper of the Venetian Red? 



80 



A MYSTEBIOUS DISAPPEARANGB*^ 



Charles. Many a time. He was' a particular friend 
of yours, I believe. 

BoUtay. Chailey, listen to a talc that would make 
the marines blush. When I reached Valparaiso on 
my last run, I found the Venetian Red there before 
me ; but I found that Spanker had " mysteriously dis- 
appeared."* His hat and coat were found upon the 
pier,- and he was supposed to be beneath the waves. 
Charles. Wli;it a coincidence! 
Bohstay. Charley, he left a widow. I found her 

in Venetian Red onboard the mourning black, — no 

in mourning red on board the Venetian — 
Charles. No matter about the colors ; go on. 
Bohstay. Charley, she was in distress ; and did you 
ever hear of a tar who found a lass in distress, and 
deserted her? Never. In a week I had asked her to 
marry me. In ten days we were married in church. 
Charles. Married! Then you are — 
Bohstay. Mysterious'y disappeared ; that's the p'int. 
\V<i. were married in church. And now for an aston- 
ishing disclosure. When we came out of church, who 
should I see but Spanker — the dead and gone Spank- 
er—peeping round a corner, with a grin on hi^ face 
and a finger on his nose. 

Charles. What ! Why, this is bigamy ! 
Bohstay. What-amy ? 'Twas a swindle ! 
Charles. Unhappy man ! How did you act ? What 
did you say ? 

Bohstay. I said nothing; put the lady, M^s... Spank- 
er Bohstay, into the carriage, shut the door, ^nd niyste-, 
riously disappeared; i 

* A wink and finger on side of nose when these words are 
ased through the play. 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. ^ 

Charles. And your wife ? 

Bobstay. Av;ist there ! She's Spanker's wife. 

Charles. But he basely deserted her. 

Bobstay. So did I. Mysteriously disappearedV'"' 

Charles. But \vhere(have, you been? What have 
you been doing all this time? 

Bobstay. Pursuing the phantom ship, Sylvester 
Spanker. 

Charles. ' Have you any trace of him? 

Bobstay. Trace, my hearty ? He's made a clean 
run, blast his toplights ! 

Charles. Then she is yours now. 

Bobstay. Is she? Tliat's a ])'int for the sharks to 
argue. I didn't marry his widow ; I couldn't marry 
his wife ; and yet I'm a married man. 

Charles. But you love her, captain ? 

Bobstay. Ease oif a bit. If Spanker mysteriously 
disappeared, there's reason for Spanker's disappearance. 
And as the aforesaid widow, when I married her, wTho 
didn't prove to be a widow after I mairied her, boxeil 
my ears twice afore the ceremony, the p'ints of my 
matrimonial compass don't p'int that way much. 

Charles. But where is she ? 

Bobstay. In chase of another craft, my boy. Close- 
reefed, to overhaul a young spark, with a view to en- 
gage him. Shall I destroy liis happiness? That's a 
p'int. Shall I appear like a spectre and foi'biU ihe 
banns? That s another p'int. No, my boy. I'lrset... 
down here; keep under water till she's fairly hooked. 

Charles. But suppose Spanker should turn up? 

Bobstay. That's a p'int we can't argue. Mum's the 
6 



82 A JfYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

word. I'm a si)irit. Bobstaj 's gone up. Keep dark. 
Not a word to your wife now. 

Charles. But Jenny don't know yon are liere!, 

JBqbstay.. No? I'll hide in the barn^ — in the pig- 
sty — anywhere until the widow 's hooked. 
{Enter Carlos, o.fro7n l.) 

Carlo^^ Say, Mr> C^pverly, here's a woman wants 
to see you. [^Exit c. to E. 

Bohstay. A woman ?. Then I'll get under hatches 
(runs to table r. c. and puts on loig and whiskers). 
That used to be my state-room. I'll look it over. Mind, 
Charley, mum's the word. I'mi a spirit; mysteriously 
disappeared. , You understand ? [_Exit door r. 

Charles. But I say, captnin ! — He's pitched into 
Nelly's room. N(> matter. I'll have him out as soon 
as I've finished with my visitor. Wiio can she be? 
{Enter c, Miss Persis Grievous, trar/ically.) . 

Persis, c. You are Mr. Charles Cleverly ? 

Cliarles. At your service, madam. 

Persis. Monster! Traitor! Arch conspirator! 

Charles. Madam ! 

Persis. You are the friend pf Dixon Dolby. My 
Dixie. You liave enticed him from my loving pres- 
ence ; from mo, the woman who adores him ; for what? 

Charles. A day's sport, he snys. 

Persis. Sport! You are like the wicked boy, and 
I the innocent frog. Whnt's sport to you is death .to, 
me. L;ist nigiit he told me of ids ]>roposed visit. This, 
morning I found in his room beneath his pillow — for, 
we both lodge beneath tlie same roof; and I, in his 
absence, enter his sanctum as a privileged guest of 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANOB. 83 

that dear nnd worthy Mrs. Sprygs, who lets rooms at 
five (lolhirs per week, lights inclu<Ie(l — 

Charles {aside). For particulars, see small bills. 
Persis. — Beneath the pillow, which his ambrosial 
Jocks had pressed, I found this note, and this picture 
(shows photograj)]i). Do yoii recognize it ? 

Charles {looks at photograph). Good heavens! 
My wife! 

jPersis. Your wife ? Then you, like me, are a vic- 
tim. I blush for my anger. Let us in each other's 
arms mingle our tears (approaching Charles with 
arms extended). 

Charles (backing to e.). Not just yet. Explain 
this, and at onco. 

Persis. Docs it need explanation ? Here is the 
picture, and here the note signed Rosa Benn. A elan- 
destine correspondence. I see it all, at once. Under 
the pretext of a day's sport, he comes here to mal^e 
love to your wife. 

Charles. The confounded scoundrel ! 
Persis. Speak gently of the erring. I love him. 
Yes, spite his faults, I love him still. I am here to 
save him — to save you. I am a succoring angel. 

Charles. Give me that note (toites no^e). Not ray 
wife's handwriting; evidently disguised. O, Jenny, 
Jenny, have I lost -you ? 

Persis. O, Dixie, Dixie, have I lost you ? 
Polbg (oictside). Hallo ! Charley, old boy, where 
"are you? 

Persis. Hi« voice. How it thr-r-r-ills me ! But he 
must not see me here. Where can I hide ? ,(Goes (o 



84 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

door L.) In this room ? Get liini away, and I will 
return. Then we can make plans to cirt-iimvent thorn. 

J_£Jxit door L. 

Charles. But, madam, that's my wife's room. Siie's 
gone. Can I be awake? My Jenny coiresponding 
with my friend ! And he in love? O, it's absurd! 

(DoMJY appears at door with a fishing-rod in case, 
a gun, and a scoop-net vjltJi handle, clumsily held in 
his arms / a game-hag swung one side, and a fishing- 
basket the other.) 

DoTbg. Ah, there yon are, Charley. And here I am, 
armed and equipped as the law <lireets. {^Attempts to 
enter,' gun gets across the doorway. JBacJcs and \ries 
again ; net gets across the doorway, Business re- 
peated.) Well, well, this is getting interesting (enters). 
Ah! liere we are {drops everything on floor, and runs 
to Chari^es, hands extended). How are yon, old fel- 
low ? Alive and kicking? Domestic bliss and rural 
felicity? Happy chap! 

Charles {shakes hands). Glad to see you, Dixie. 
Welcome. . . 

Dolby. That's hearty. Wl^ve?s your wife ? Must 
see her, you know. I came to enj(n''the beauties of the 
country, and you've the brightest and lovelk'st. I 
know you know — of course you know. 

Charles (aside). He knows, confound him ! (^Aloud) 
She's out just now. You shall see her. 

Dolby. Now let's see what shall we do first? 

There's fishing, hunting, and making love to a pretty 
girl. I've only a day, and we must crowd lots of fun 
iato teu hours. '' . 



A MTSTERTOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 85 

Charles. Well, what say you to lunch first ? 

Dolby. Nothing for me, save a glass of warm milk 
from the hands of a (hurymaid. I've come down here 
to breathe tlie country air. Stop a moment. I forgot 
that {runs tip ta door c. and stands breathing hard, and 
striking his breast). Ah, that's the sort; the iiivigor- 
fiting air of the country. Ah ! {loith a long breath) 
there's the first dose. 

{Enter Nelly, r. Dolby comes doion l.) 

Charles. And here's tlie dairymaid. My sister,* 
Dixie. Mr. Dixon Dolby, Nelly. 

I)olby. Ah, delightful (JoMs). What a pretty girl ! 
What cheeks ! What a shape! 

Nelly. Your first visit to the country, Mr. Dolby? : 

Dolby. I'm ashamed to say it is, Miss Nelly. But 
it's delightfid ; such a quantity of trees and grass ; 
houses not quite so plenty. 

Charles. Mr. Dolby wouhl like a glass of milk. 

Dolby. Yes, thank you ; cow's milk, if the cows are 
at leisure. 

Nelly. O, quite. Til bring it at once. \_Exit r. 

Dolby. Charley, my boy, your sister 's a perfect 
beauty. 

Charles. Sit down, Dolby (Dolby brings chair up 
to table L. Charles brings one down from back ; they 
sit R. and I..) I had hopes that you would come down 
here heart-whole ; but I learn that you are already 
engaged iii a love affair. 

Dolby. Don't, mention it (Peesis 02jens door, steps 
out, and listens). The most absurd thing; a little 
country-house flirtation with a lady old enough to be 
my mother. 



86 A' MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAKANCB. 

Persis. The wretcli ! 

Dolby. Unfortiinately, one evening I lay upon my 
bed, smoking and reading, with my door ofien into 
the passage, on the farther side of winch is located the 
room of Miss Persis Grievous. Well, I dropped off' to 
sleep, the pipe dropped from my mouth, and I was 
awakened by the cry of " fire," and a brisk shaking 
from my female iViend across the passage. I had set 
fire to the bed, wliicU was easily put out ; not so the 
flame which had been kindled in the breast of my fair 
but aged deliverer. 

Persis. The heartless scoundrel ! 

Polby. From that time she has pursued me with 
a relentless love. I cannot escape her. 

Charles. And you are engaged ? 

Polby. Not exactly. Pegoty is willing, but Barkis 
is not ; for, Charley, I am in love with a phantom. 

Charles. Then you'd better give up the ghost, and 
make Persis happy. 

Polby. No ; I can never love but one, " Rosa Bean:" 
Isn't that a pretty name? I'll show you her face 
{Jiunts pockets^. Confound it, I've left her photograjsh 
under my ])illow ! 

Persis. O, the wretch ! I'll never forgive liim — 
never — (disajyiears into room l.). 
{Enter Nelly, r. with glass pitcher of milk and goblet.) 

Nelly. Here's the milk, Mr. Dolby. 

Dolby. O, thank you {she fills goblet^ standing be- 
hind toMe. Dolhy drinks). line's jour best health. 
Ah, what milk ! I haven't tasted anything like that 
since I was — a very little child. 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE, 87 

iTdly. Can I bring yru .inything else ? 

]Jolb>/. No, I'm obliged to you. By the way, is 
tberc a young lady in the neighborhood named "Rosa 
Bean"?" 

JSTelbj. « Benn " — « Bean " — No. There are no 
Beans here ; there's a Rosa Higgins about half a mile 
I'rom here. 

Dolby, O, she won't do. 

Charles. Tliere are Rows of Beans in the garden ; 
liow will those suit, Dixie? Ha, ha, ha! 

Nelly. To whifh I will introduce you at dinner. 
Good-bye till then. \_£Jxit R. 

Dolby. G- od-bye {rises and jnits bade chair to l. 
CiiAUi.ES rises). Now, then, Charley, let's try the fish 
{takes his pole and net). 

Charles. Really, Dixie, I cannot leave the house 
just now. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll send my man 
with you, and join you soon {goes to door c). Here, 
Careless ! Careless ! 

Carlos {enter c). Yes, sir. Here I am ! 

Charles. Careless, show this gentleman to the fish- 
ing-pond^. {Dol'fy at back, busies himself with tackle.) 

Carlos. Fishing-pond! Where 's that? 

Charles {aside). Shut up, you fool ! Behind the 
barn. 

Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! that 's a pretty fishing-pond ! 
Why, there's nothin' there 'cept skeeters! • 

Charles. Well, they bite, don't they ? You'd bet- 
ter take Towzer along with you, he wants exercise. 

Carlos. Towzer? Why, he's not sociable with 
strangers. 



88 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

Charles. Do as I bid you. 

Carlos. All right, Mister. Come along, sir — I'll 
show you sport! 

Dolby. That's the sort. 

Carlos. What kind of fishing do you like, best? 
Do'nt make any difference here. {Aside) Have to fish 
a darn long spell afore you get any. 

Dolby. Well, s'pose we try for cod — ^ no, I. mean 
mackerel. Any blue-fish about here ? 

Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! 

Charles. Careless! 

Carlos. Bine-fish? Wal, no; we're out of blue-fish 
to-day. {Aside) Lord, he is green ! 

Dolby. No matter ; lead me to the lake where sport 
the finny tribe. 

Carlos. Funny what ? Gosh all hemlock ! thought 
you was going a fishing ! 

Dolby. O, come along, it's getting late. Good- 
bye, Charley. Don't forget I must see your wife. 

\_Exit c. 

Carlos. Say, Mister, who's agoin' to dig the bait, 
sfty ? [^Exit c. 

Charles. Still harping on my wife. I'll know the 
meaning of this ere I am an hour older. 
{Enter PERSis/rom door l.) 

Persis. At last he is gone, and we may arrange 
our plans. 

Bobstay {opens doorr^.).. Ahoy, Charley ! (Persis 
screams, and runs into room l. Enter Bobstay.) 
Aha! a woman ! Who is it? {Creeps across stage 
on tiptoe^ and peeps into keyhole^ dQ,Qri..) 



A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAKANCE. 89 

Charles {seizes him by arm and whirls him to e.). 
What are you about, captain ? There's a lady in that 
room. ' 

Bohstay. I must have a peep at her {runs up and 
looks into keyhole). Ah, ha! 'tis she J {falls back into 
Charles's arm.9). 

Charles. She ! Who ? 
Bobstay {recovering himself). Hush ! Spanker's wife ! 
My widow, yoii know ! Our evil genius!' It's a judg- 
ment on me for giving up the search for the lost S|>.'in- 
ker. I must be ofi: G(>od-bye ; put it there {they shake 
hands). If Pm asked for, you know — mysteriduBly 
disappeared — {goes up to door c). 

Mrs. C. {outside c.) Cliarley! Charley! -.J. 

Bobstay {comes doion i?.). < There's a craft beia'iing 
down this way; mum 's the word, Charley. I : 

\_Exit doorXa.. 
{Miter Persis from, room 1,.) 

J^ersis. Shall we never be alone ? 

Charles. Hush ! go back ; my wife is here ! 

J'ersis. Your wife ? Rosa Bean? I'll scratdb her 
eyes out! , ,. ; 

Charles {pushing her into room). No,. no; you'll 
spoil all. They meet! — 'twould never do (/oc/vs <:?oor'. 
and takes out key: Mrs. C. appears at door c), 

Mrs. C. Why, Charles, what arc you doing ? Lock- 
ing my door ? 

Charles {confused),. Yes — no — that is, I waat 
afraid the cat would get in there, and so I locked it. 

Mrs. C. I want to put my things away. 
^JJharl^^jJl wouldn't take them off now, it's a little, 
chilly here. 



90 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 

Mrs. C. Cliilly! Why, Charles, are ymi ill ? HoT\r 
pale you look ! It it were anybtxly else, I should 8:iy a 
guilty look was on your faee. 

diaries (aside). A jruilty look! nn>l she in clandes- 
tine eorrespon(1e4ice with Doll>y! (Aloud) Guilty? 
absurd! (Aside) What have I done? L<H'.kecl a wo- 
man in her room, — and I suspect her? O, here's a 
muddle ! 

3frs. C. Well, as you do not seem inclined 1o let 
me into my room, I will lay-off my things in Nelly's 
((joes to door r.). Why, this is locked too ! 

Charles. O, yes, yes; I -forgot to tell you. I — I 
locked up the dog in th'i're. 

3Irs. C. Thedog Towzer! What for? 

Cftarles. Well, I was just going tosit<lown to read, 
and I didn't want to be disturbed. 

JDog outside. " Bow, wow, wow ! " 

Mrs. C. Ah, Towzer seems to have found the way 
out. 

Charles. I wish I could. (Dog barksS) 

Dolby (outside). Hilp! murder! help! (Comes 
tumbling in through the icindoio on to lounge / rolls on 
to floor^ Confound that do^ ! i^gets vp rubbing his 
knees.) 

Charles. What luck, Dolby. Did you get a bite? 

Dolby. Yes ; two of them ; and if my legs hadn't 
done good service, tliAt confounded dog woidd Ijave 
made a meal of me (still rubbing his knees, not look- 
ing up. Mrs. Clkverly, doicn n.). 

Charles. Sorry, Dolby, you didn't have better luck. 
(Aside) Now to test ray wife (steps c). Allo^v me to 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 91 

present you to my wife. Mrs. Cleverly, my fiiend 
Dixon Dolby. Dixie, this is tlie lady you have 
longed to meet. 

Dolby {comes down l. ; looks across). Rosa Bean ! 
Gooil gracious ! 

Charles. No, no. My poor fiiend, you are growing 
crazy with your absuixl j)hnntom, Rosa Bean. 

Dolhy. Good gracious, it's her ! And I — I — un- 
happy wretch ! — am in love with Charley'^s wifefl 
Wliat will become of me ? I shall be found o\\t{%oxpes 
face xoith handkerchief). 

3Irs. C. • I hope you are enjoying your^ day's sport, 
Mr. Dolby. 

Dolby. O, immensely ! You pec avc took the dog 
along for a photogr.iph — no, for company. Don Car- 
los said we'd better ; and he got interested in my ar- 
rangements ; and just as I stoopeil over to put on a 
bait, somebody said, "St' boy .'"and I sup])ose hq mis- 
took me for the boy, — at any rate, took a bite. Then 
it suddenly occurred to me that there \yjjs-.''iio place 
like home." ijoilivin' 

{Enter Caklos, c.) 

Carlos. Say, Mister, what did you want to scoot 
for jist as it was gettin' interesting? 

Dolby. Interesting, Don Carlos? It ^yas getting 
exciting! {Aside) Heavens! how sliall I get out of 
tliis scrajie ? — Charley's wife! — He'll murder me! 
{Aloud) Charley, I really believe 111 take the next 
train. 

Charles. Nonsense. You've not tried the gunning 
yet. Finish your day's sport. 



92 A Mr5?STEEI0US DISAPP^AEANCll. 

DoTby (aside). I wish I could, at drice. 

Charles. Careless will t:ike yon to the game; 

JJolby {takes gun). All right, Don Carlos, we'll try 
the game; (aside) and I'm ofF'to the train. No more 
of this sport for me, thank you, 

Carlos. Say, what do you want to shoot ? 

Dolhij.- How's the deer ? 

Carlos. Deer? Ho, ho, ho ! They're 'party well ; 
but we're out on 'em jist now, - . (!• \yvif 

J)olby. Well, a buff ilo or two. 

Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! 

Dolby. Hnng it! don't stand there grinning; let's 
shoot something quick. \^Exit c, and off h. 

Carlos {aside). Darned if I don't take liim down 
into Buffalo Blli's paster. He'll shoot the fence quicker 
than scat. \_Exit c. 

3Irs. C. Now that the dog is out of the way, I 
supppse you can have no objection to — 

Charles. By the way, Jenny, I'd jiearly forgotten 
it ; but Mrs. Jenks, our neighbor, was here just now, and 
her baby 's taken sick — awful ; wants you. It's got a 
sudden attack of squills, I think she said. 

Mrs. C. Indeed ! I'll run over at once; that is, if 
-you can spare nie. 

Charles. O, certainly — that is, no — yes. They're 
not catching, are they? 

3IrS. C. I think not. Good-bye {goes tqj c). 
(Aside) There's something wiong with Charh'v, I'll 
not go far. [^Jxit c. 

Charles. Now to get that confounded Bobstay out 
of the way (j/oes towards door k.). 



A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAEANCS, 93 

(^/i^gr Nelly, r. 1 e.) 
Nelly, Chnrlcy, what do you want in my room ? 
Charles. O, nothing — tliat is — I was looking for 

you. 

JVelli/. And having found me — 

Charles. I want you to advise me. Read that. ( Gives 
note.)' 
• Nkllij {aside). Nobody can do it better than I 
{redds). Weil, Charley ? 

Charles. Well, ChnrWy. No,, ili. Charley; a de- 
cidedly badly-used Charley. Do you know that photo- 
graph ? 

Nelly. It's our Jenny. 

Charles. Our Jenny ! And it's sent to my friend 
Dolby. I'll murder him ! 

Nelly. Now, Charley, don't be j,Q!jlous. I've no 
•doubt Jennyi will explain matters to your enlire satis- 
faction. (Pkrsis knocks at door l.) Ah, who's that?, 

Charles {moving to door l.). It's the cat. Scat, 
pussy, pussy, pussy ! > 

Nelly., K. {changes photograph in n,ote for another). 
I'll see if we cannot put a new face u|)on tlie nuitter. 
{Aloud) Here's your note, Charley. Don't be jValous; 
it doesn't look well in a man at all. \_^xit u. 

diaries. Now to let the captain out. ( Goes to door 
R. ; rap'i). I say, captain — coast clear ! 
{Enter Bobstay, with a. calico skirt pinned about his 

icaisty a red shawl over his. shoulders^ and a straw 

bonnet on his head) i 
Gnicious! what's the meaning of that rig?. 

Sobstay. Disguise j run the gautlet ; slip; jfty cable. 



9i A MYSTERiaUS DISAPPEARANCB. 

Sep, Vm liere — I'm gone. If anjbody nsks for Bobstny, 

you know — inj'^stt'vioiisly (lis.ippe.-ircd. [ Goes to door c. 

{filter Mrs. Cleveki-Yj c.) 

3fj's. C. One; niomont, if you j'lease. 

J^ohstay (aside). Sliiver my timbers, it's Jenny! 

Charles. Slie 's found him out ! 

Mrs. C. (leading Bobstay down R. bt/ arm). I have 
no objections to my husb.-uid's entertaining ladies in 
my absence ; but I have decided objections to their 
leaving my house with property not tbeir own. Til 
thajik you for that shawl. 

Jjohstay. Ay, ay. {Takes off shawl.) 

Mrs. C. And that bonnet. 

Uohstay (takes off bonnet). Ay, ay. 

Mrs. C. C.iptain Bobstay ! Uncle Bolivert 
"^ (JS/i^er Miss Persis, f^oor I..) 

Persis. Captain Bobstay ! ]\Iy luisband ! {Shrieks, 
and falls into Charles''s arins.) 

J3obstay. 'Tis she ; support me, Jenny {falls into 
Mrs. C.'s arms). 

{Report of gun outside c.) 

Dolby. Help! mur<ler! help! {Runs in through 
door c>, turns and shuts door / puis his back against 
it.) HaUo! what's tlie matter here ? 

Mrs. C. So, sir, you have deceived me. AajJ this 
lady is • — 

Charles. Your aunt, Mrs. Captain Bobstay. 

Bobstay. 'Tis false ! , 

Persis. Boliver! my own — (approachij^ghim.) 

Pobstay. No, nothing of the kind, madam. You 
married m.e aad I married you under a mistake. When 



A MYSTERIOUS, DISAPPEARANCE. 95 

you can bring me convincing proof of the death of 
your husband Spanker, — a leg or an arm of the afore- 
said will be sufficient proof, — I am ready to talk busi- 
ness. Till then, madam, I am free. 

Persis. Boliver — ■ P 

Bobstay. O^ I shall boil over if you are not silent 
{jsiU at table e., takes up paper/ reads. Miss Persis 
mooes about him, trying to get^ sight of his face / he 
keeps the pa2Jer before him). 

Charles. Now, Mrs. Cleverly, having cleared my- 
self to your satisfaction, I hope — {sees Dolby) Hallo I 
Dolby, what are you doing there ? 
, Dolby. Fact is, Charley, I've shot something! 
(Carlos sticks his head into loiiuloic.) 

Carlos. Yes, darn you, you shot a calf! But Buf- 
falo Bill, our black bull, tossed you over the fence in 
no time. Ho, ho, ho ! You'^ a sportsmijn, you are ! 

. t^ff'.n 1 • \_Exit c. 

Dolby. Charley, I guess I'll go home. I've lost my 
net, my rod, and my gun ; and if your game are as 
active ^s your friend Buffalo William, I'd rather not 
be Imnting, thank you. ; 

Charles. Do you recognize that note, Dolby?, 
{Gives 7iote.) .-.ri mu irtii- ' 

• Dolby. O, Lord, it's ! coming ! Here's a pretty day's 
sport ! That note ? O, yes. That note is — 

Charles. From my wife, I believe. 

Dolby. 0, heavens, it's all over! Charley, 'pon 
my word, I hadn't the least idea that Rosa Bean was 
your wife. If I had — 

Charles. Silence ! {^Snatches note from Doi<by, 



96 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEABANCE.' 

and runs to c.) And y6u,"'ntadara, what have you' 
to ssiy to it? {Gives note to Mrs. C.) 
{Enter Nellt, c.) 

Mrs. C. {looking at it.) Say! What can I say? 
This in no way concerns me. 

Charles. Indeed ! And the picture ? 

Mrs.C. 0, the picture. \Looks at it.) Why,ll*s 
our Nelly. 

Charles and Dolby. Our Nelly! 

Nelly. Yes, our Nelly — who is answerable foV all 
this mischief. She is the writer of the note — the un- 
known correspondent of our friend Mr. Dixon Dolby, 
Rosa Bean. *' ■ •' "■ ' 

Dolby, Well, that's clever {runs Hp'fo her, c). 
How do you do {shakes hands). { They go to lounge 
and sit talking.) 

Mrs C. And you suspected me, Charley ! 

Charles. What could I do ? Your aunt Bobstay 
brought me your picture, which somehow has mysteri- 
ously disappeared. ; -• 

Bobstay {jumping x(p). " Mysteriously disippeared." 
Hark ! listen ! {reads.) " All friends of the supposed- 
to-be-drowned Sylvester Spanker, especially his widow, 
ate hereby notified that he has returned to his ship, the 
Venetian Red, and will sail this day for Valparaiso." 
Ha, ha ! ho, ho ! He 's found, and I am free ! Widow, 
I congratulate you. ' ' 

Persis. Spanker alive ! Thank fortune, I am no 
longer dependent on the cold charities of the' world ! 

Bobstay. Madam, put it there {they shdke hands). 
We'll go aboard the Venetian Red thisvfery day. I'll 



A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 97 

return property, and take my receipt, tear up our cer- 
tificate, give you my blessing, and mysteriously disap- 
pear. 

Dolby {comes down with Nelly). But what's to 
become of me? Will you desert the life you saved ? 
Persis — 

Persis. Bother ! You'd better be silent. I was in 
that room when you told the story with such compli- 
mentary allusions to me. 

Dolby. Ahem ! Mum's the word. 

Charles. Come, Nelly, let's have dinner. {Exit 
Nelly l.) This little muddle is happily ended. 

Dolby. I've had my day's sport; not just what I 
expected, but it's ending happily. 

Charles. The widow has found her husband. 

Dobstay. For which we return thanks. 

(Caklos sticks his head in wi?idoto.) 

Carlos. Say, you'll never see that calf again ; she's 
gin ber last blat. 

{Miter Nelly, r.) 

Nelly. Dinner's ready. 

Charles {gives his wife his arm, c). Come, let's to 
dinner. (Dolby and Nelly arm in arm, r. ; Captain 
and Miss Persis artn in arm, l.) Are you ready, 
captain ? 

Bobstay. Ay, ay, Charley, with a rousing appetite. 
So heave ahead ; we'll follow in your wake. I'm hap- 
py. You are happy, widow. Yes, we're all happy — 
for we've had a day's sport, and all our troubles have 
— mysteriously disappeared. 

l^Curtain."] 



i \JjOOOQ:(yQiOQ>(JQj(ja(JQjG-QiOQa-Q.(JQjaQj(JO0X:i 



rQaaOQOQ<JQiOO(J ^^ 



SPEHCER'S UNIVERSAL STAGE, 



36. nSainoncl cut I>iainond. An In- 
terlude in One Act. liy \V. H. Mur- 
ray. 10 Male, 1 Female character. 

37. liook after Brown. A Farce in 
One Act. By George A. Stuart, 
M. D. (i JIale, 1 Female character. 

38. Monseigiieur. A Drama in Three 
Acts, liy Thomas Archer. 15 Male, 
3 Female characters. 

30. A very pleasant evening. A 
Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 

3 JIale characters. 
9) 40. Brother Ben. A F'arce in One 

Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 
Female characters. 
Only a Clod. A Comic Drama in 
One Act. Hy J. P. Simpson. 4 Male, 

1 Female character. 
Gaspardo tlie Gondolier. A 

Drama in Three Acts. By George 
Almar. 10 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 
^ 43. Sunshine through the Clouds. 
A Drama in (^ne Act. By Slingshy 
Lawrence. 3 Male, 3 Female char- 
acters. 
Don't Judge by Appearances. 
-J. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Mor- 

"Jp ton. 3 Slale, 2 Female characters. 

45. iViivsey Chiclcweed. A P\irce in 
One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 
Mule, 2 Female characters. 

46. Maiy Moo; or, Whicli shall I 
Marry.' A Farce in One Act. By 
\V. E. Suter, 2 Male, 1 Female 
character. 

47. Cast ILiynne. A Drama in Five 
Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female characters. 

48. The Hidden Hand. A Drama in 
Five Acts. By Robert Jones. 10 
Male, 7 Female characters. 

4'J. Silverstone's^Vager. ACommedi- 
et(a in One Act. By K. U. Andrews. 

4 Male, 3 Female characters. 

50. Dora. A Pastoral Drama in Three 
Acts. Hy Charles Keade. 5 Male, 

2 Female characters. 

51. Blanks and Prizes. A Farce in 
One Act. By Dexter Smith. 5 
Male, 2 Female chaiacters. 

^ 52. Old Gooseberry. A Farce in One 
Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 
2 Female characters. 



C) 



5.3. TVho's W^ho. A Farce in One Act. 
By T. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Fe- 
male characters. 

54. Bouquet. A Farce in One Act. 2 

JNIale, 3 Female characters. 

55. The TVife's Secret. A Play in 

Five Acts. By George W. Lovell. 
10 Male, 2 Female characters. 

5C, The Babes in the TV'ood. A 

Comedy in Three Acts. By Tom 
Taylor. 10 Male, 3 Female charac- 
ters. 

57. Putkins : Heir to Castles in the 

Air. A Comic Drama in One Act. 
By W. K. Emerson. 2 Male, 2 Fe- 
male characters. 

58. AnXTgly Customer. A Farce in 

One Act. By Thomas J. Will'imii. 
3 Male, 2 Female characters. 

59. Blue and Cherry. A Comedy in 

One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

60. A Doubtful Victory. A Cumedy 

in One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female char- 
acters, 
r:. The Scarlet tetter. A Drama n 
Three Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female Cuar- 
acters. 

62. TVhich M^ill have Htm P A Vau- 

deville. 1 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

63. Madam is Abed. A Vaudeville in 

One Act. 2 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

64. The Anonymous Kiss. A Vaude- 

ville. 2 Male, 2 Female characters. 

65. The Cleft Stick. A Comedy in 

Three Acts. 5 Male, 3 F'emale char- 
acters. 

66. A Soldier, a Sailor, a Tinker, 

and a Tailor. A Farce in One 
Act. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. 

67. Give a Bog a Bad Name. A 

Farce. 2 Male, ;' Female Characters. 

68. Bamon and Pythias. A Farce. 

(i IMale, 4 Female characters. 

69. A Husband to Order. A Serio- 

comic Drama in Two Acts. 5 Male, 
3 Female char.ncters. 

70. Payable on Demand. A Domes- 

tic DraiTiii in Twn Acts. 7 Male, I 
Female character. 



Price, IS cents each. Descriptive Catalogue mailed free on application to 
CEO. M. BAKER &, CO., 

Nos. 41-45 Franklin Street, Boston. 

1 ,3O.QOD'D.0O-Qt)gO£)Q0'D£)'D 0'OQ'0Q'*:)QXjQ<0Q'0Q'0Qt)Q'0Q'0QZ, i 



?lky^ foi^ Snikteuf ¥l\ 




015 785 403 3 



BY GEORGE M. BAKER, 



Author of '■'■Amateur Dramas" " The Mimic Stage" " The Social Stage" " The Drawing-Room 
Stage," " Handj/ Dramas" " The Exhibition Drama" '■'■A Baker's Dozen" &c. 

Titles in this Type are JlVevr Plays. 
Titles in this Type are Tetnperunce Plays. 



dhamas. 

/n 77iree Acts. 
Tlie Flower ol tlie Family. 5 

male, ^ female char 

Enlisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- 
male characters 

My Brother's Keeper, s male, 3 fe- 
male ch.ir 

The Little Jirotvn Jug, 5 male, 3 

female char 

In Two Acts. 

Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female 
characters 

One lluiidred Years Ago. 7 male, 
4 female char 

Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female 
char. 

Bread ON THE Waters. 5 male, 3 female 
char 

Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female 
char 

Once cv* a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 

The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 
In One Act. 

Stand bv the Flag. 5 male char . . . 

The Tenijiter. 3 male, i female char. 

COMEDIES AND FARCES. 

A Mysterious Disappearance. 4 

male, 3 female char 

Pacldle Your 0-»vn Canoe. 7 male, 
T, female char 

A Ltrop too JUucIl. 4 male, 2 female 
characters 

A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male char 

A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 
female char 

Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 

Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female 
char 

The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. 

TuH Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- 
male char 

Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 

4 male, 3 female char 

We're all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 fe- 
male char 

Mnle Characters Only. 

A Close Shave. 6 char 

A Public Benefactor. 6 char 

A Sea of Troubles. 8 char 

A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . . 

Coals of Fire. 6 char 

Freedom of the Press. 8 char. . . . 

CEO. M. BAKER 



COMEDIES, &c., continued. 

Shall Our Mothers Vote p n char. 15 

Gentlemen of the Jury. 12 char. . . 15 

Humors of 'the Strike. 8 char. . . 15 

My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . 15 

New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 

The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 

The Hypochondriac. 5 char 15 

The Man with the Demijohn. 4 

char 15 

The Runaways. 4 char. 15 

The Thief of Time. 6 char 15 

Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. ... 15 

Female Characters Otily. 

A Love of a Bonnet. 5 char. ... 15 

A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 

No Ci.RE NO Pay. 7 char 15 

The Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 

The Greatest Plague in Life. 8cha. 15 

The Grecian Bend. 7 char 15 

The Red Chignon. 6 char. .... 15 

Using the Weed. 7 char 15 



ALLEGOEIES. 



Arranged for Music and Tableaux. 

Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female 
char IS 

The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female 
char 15 

The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- 
male char IS 

The Tournament of Idvlcourt. 10 
female char 15 

The War of the Rosf,s. S female char. is 

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. 

An Original Idea, i male, i female 
char, IS 

Bonbons ; or, the Paint King. 6 male, 
I female char 25 

Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet 
Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 15 

Santa Claus' Frolics 15 

Snow-bound ; or, Alonzo the Brave 
AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i 
female char 25 

The Merry Christmas of the Old 
Woman who lived in a Shoe. . . 

The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male 
char • 

The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- 
ment. Numerous male and female char. 

Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. 

The Visions of Freedom, ii female 
char 



& CO., 41-45 Franklin St., Boston. 



Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 
Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 



Male characters only. 25 cents. 
Female characters only. 20 centa. 



limiS,,,Sr CONGRESS 

015 785 403 3 | 



